Opera Garnier Paris

One of the most important symbols of the Second Empire baroque style of the 19th century, the Opéra de Paris Garnier was built for Emperor Napoleon III and designed by a famous architect of the time named Charles Garnier.
Built to glorify Napoleon III, the Opéra Garnier, the oldest among the two main opera houses in Paris, was not flourished until the year 1964, when the main ceiling of the building was painted by Chagal. Also, though the construction began in 1862, the work of construction was stretched beyond 1875 as a lake was discovered under the site of construction. However, the building was finally completed keeping the small lake inside the opera house.

Enjoying undivided importance and attention till 1989, the Opéra Garnier in Paris started housing more ballets than operas since the construction and inauguration of the modern Opéra de Paris Bastille in Bastille, Paris. Today the majestic and opulent Opéra de Paris Bastille is primarily used to house ballet dances and has been officially named 'Palais Opera'.

Measuring 172 meter long and 125 meter wide, the Opera de Paris Garnier is one of the largest theatres in the world in terms of acreage. The building rises to a height of 73,6 meter or 564 x 410 x 241 ft and has a beautiful large façade, that is tastefully decorated with rose marble columns, sculpture groups, friezes and a couple of large gilded figures. However, the Opera de Paris Garnier has a seating capacity lesser than the new Opéra de Paris Bastille, which can fit over 2,700 audience easily.

The interior of the Opéra Garnier in Paris is exquisitely done up in marble and looks impressive with magnificent chandeliers, mosaic ceiling and a grand staircase. In all, the interior is so luxurious that it is often compared with the corridors in Versailles.

Location of Opéra Garnier, Paris:
The Opéra Garnier, Paris is located at the Place called de l'Opera, in the 9e arrondissement, just north of the 2e arrondissement